Social Work Assistant Apprentice - Apprenticeship

Social Work Assistant Apprentice - Apprenticeship 18 Months at Birmingham Children’s Trust

Kick‑start your career in social care with this exciting opportunity for a Birmingham care‑experienced young person to join our Children in Care Team as an Apprentice Social Work Assistant.

This role is designed to help you gain valuable skills, hands‑on experience, and a nationally recognised qualification, while making a real difference in the lives of children and young people. As an apprentice, you will work alongside experienced social work professionals, supporting individuals and families to access the help they need. You will learn through a combination of on‑the‑job experience and structured training, with ongoing support throughout your apprenticeship.

• Assisting social workers in supporting children, young people, and families
• Attending meetings and shadowing experienced staff to learn best practice
• Supporting service users to access resources and community services
• Maintaining accurate records and ensuring confidentiality
• Contributing to team projects and initiatives that improve outcomes for vulnerable people

• A genuine interest in helping others and making a positive impact
• Good communication skills and a willingness to learn
• The ability to work as part of a team and follow guidance

No prior experience is required – full training will be provided.

• Hands‑on experience in a professional social work environment
• Support from a dedicated mentor and training provider
• Skills and experience that can lead to a rewarding career in social work or related fields

We have been rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted, following a 2023 inspection. This is a fantastic achievement for Birmingham Children’s Trust, with many positive highlights focusing on the quality of staff leadership, partnership working, safeguarding and corporate parenting.

Hybrid role based in Birmingham – you must have the correct right‑to‑work documents to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not supported.

Please contact Dawn Crooks and Gayle Mason‑Gordon:
apprenticeships

• A generous annual leave package of 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 5 years of service and 35 days after 10 years of service.
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Full access to internal employee benefits including Occupational Health services, Rewards Schemes, Benefits discounts (including the Blue Light Card), Health & Fitness and Personal Wellbeing support.
• Dedicated Practice Hub supporting continued training and career progression

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a series of background checks (Experian, Right to Work, Digital ). These are essential pre‑employment requirements.

We are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of over 10,000 children and young people in Birmingham. Our mission is to support the most disadvantaged children and young people, ensuring they are safe, happy, and healthy.

We approach our work with care and compassion, listening to the needs of the children and young people we serve. We involve them in decisions that affect their lives, ensuring that their voices are heard and respected.

We collaborate with schools, health professionals and the police to create a supportive network for young people.

Depending on the role, you may be asked to undergo the appropriate level of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The level of check (Standard, Enhanced, or Enhanced with Barred List) is determined based on the specific responsibilities of the role and the level of contact with children and young people.

We are committed to the fair treatment of all applicants, including those with criminal records. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar an individual from working with us, depending on the nature of the position and background of the offence.

Please note that we reserve the right to close the job early should we reach the required number of applications. Therefore, submit your application early to avoid disappointment.

• Impactful Work – be part of a team that makes a real difference in the lives of Birmingham’s most vulnerable children.
• Supportive Environment – collaborative culture where your contributions are valued.
• Career Development – tailored programmes, supervision, and learning opportunities.
• Generous Benefits – competitive reward package including leave allowance, local government pension scheme, additional benefits.